QUIDS shopping vouchers 'can be used just like money' in Offaly town

TULLAMORE'S unique shopping vouchers – QUIDS – can be used "just like money, exclusively in Tullamore."

That's according to the recently elected President of Tullamore and District Chamber of Commerce, Caroline Collins-Murphy, who said: "QUIDS have proved very popular with the general public and employers in past years, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, though the vouchers can be ordered and used at any time in the year."

The scheme is operated by the Chamber in association with Tullamore Credit Union.

Ms Collins-Murphy – who is also Deputy CEO of Tullamore Credit Union – explained: "They can be spent at businesses across Tullamore, including grocery stores, fashion shops, hotels, restaurants, home heating fuel providers and golf clubs."

"QUIDs shopping vouchers are accepted in over 100 outlets around Tullamore, making the scheme a useful, easy, and efficient way to reward your staff this year," she added.

The vouchers come in various different denominations - €20, €50, €100 and so on – and can be redeemed in a wide variety of retail outlets in Tullamore and district.

A full list of participating outlets is available on the chamber's website www.tullamorechamber.com 

The Tullamore Chamber President said the scheme gives employers the chance to reward their staff this year with up-to €1000 in QUIDS shopping vouchers free of tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge (USC).

QUIDs vouchers quality for the Small Benefit Exemption scheme.

“This means employers can gift up to €1000 to a PAYE employee in each year including 2023, a doubling from the previous limit of €500,” outlined Ms Collins-Murphy.

The Chamber President said this benefit could only be given once per year, but recent changes also allow the gift to be made twice per year.

“The total amount of the benefit cannot exceed €1000 in any one year,” she explained.

Added Ms Collins-Murphy: “For an employee on the top tax rate, a gift of €1000 in QUIDs vouchers saves over €1314 comparing with giving the cash equivalent after taxes.”

Unlike other voucher schemes, there are no commissions, fees or hidden charges which creates further savings.

“Altogether it's a useful, easy and efficient way to reward your staff this year,” stressed the Chamber chief.

From a local economic perspective, observed Ms Collins-Murphy, the voucher scheme means that money earned locally is spent locally.

“It's the equivalent of the motto of a local bakers - use your loaf and keep the dough in town,” she pointed out.

Interested employers need to order their QUIDs shopping vouchers in advance and can do so by emailing info@tullamorechamber.com 

Visit www.tullamorechamber.com for more information.